Comparative Communities (Biology 248-Bahamas, 5 credits), offers students the opportunity to learn marine biology in one of the ecologically richest areas on the earth, San Salvador, the Bahamas. The course lasts 4 weeks and gives students the chance to literally immerse themselves in the study of the flora and fauna of coral reefs, rocky intertidal zones, sandy beaches, and karst upland systems. Students will learn survey techniques and use them to identify a diversity of species in each habitat.
Students will also develop and conduct detailed research projects on site (Directed Research-Biology 492, 4 credits). Not only does this give students the experience of working on a research project from the first steps of observation, hypothesis testing, and data collection but many of these projects have been published or presented at conferences.
A typical day includes morning and afternoon snorkeling surveys or field trips to other biological communities on the island, an hour of lecture, several hours of lab work, three meals, and a lot of fun. Participants need to be in good physical health and able to swim and will need mask, snorkel, and fins. Certified scuba divers will have diving opportunities, and are responsible for their own dive gear. Class fees do not include scuba dives. Click here to view the Bahamas Photo Album.
Dates and Costs
The program will run from mid-May through mid-June, 2006. Costs are estimated to be around $5500. The specific price will not be available until flights and field station costs can be finalized in fall of 2007. The fee includes 9 semester credits, travel roundtrip from Springfield, Ohio, all meals, fees, and lodging expenses except for the textbook, snorkeling equipment, passport, and any immunizations.
Registration
Group size is limited. Signups will begin during the early part of fall semester 2007 on a first come, first served basis. Deposits are fully refundable until 1 December. After that, because of unrecoverable expenses, deposits will be returned only if another student signs up, basically replacing the student who needed to withdraw.
San Salvador Island
San Salvador is one of the outermost islands that make up the Bahamas Archipelago. It is reported to be the first land fall of Columbus during his 1492 voyage. The interior of the island is made up of lakes and dense vegetation while it is surrounded by warm, blue, clear tropical waters. The local resident population on San Salvador today consists of approximately 1000 persons who live in several small communities around the perimeter of the island. The capital is Cockburn Town, located on the west coast of San Salvador The island is home to many monuments, ruins, and shipwreck sites that directly reflect its rich history making its geographic location and cultural setting an interesting cross cultural experience.